1. Use fans
“By increasing indoor air movement with fans, you can feel the same at a higher temperature as you would at a lower temperature using an air conditioning unit. This is a really easy thing that most people can do now to help reduce the prodigious emissions associated with cooling homes and indoor spaces in Australia," said Associate Professor Ollie Jay.
Fans on their own are remarkably good at keeping our body temperature at a safe level for healthy people. Picture credit Adobe Stock
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2. Keep your bedroom cool
"I recommend taking steps to prevent your bedroom from heating up in the first place. One effective way to do this is by blocking sunlight from entering through the windows, such as using blinds. If you notice that your bedroom becomes hotter than the outdoor environment, that's a good opportunity to open the windows and let the heat escape. Doing this before bedtime can help lower the indoor temperature and create a cooler, more comfortable environment for sleep," said Dr Yorgi Mavros.
Closing your blinds can help keep heat out of your home, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
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Top tips to beat the heat this summer
Hear from Professor Ollie Jay, from the University of Sydney's Heat and Health Research Centre.
3. Keeping infants cool
A study by the University of Sydney published in the journal Ergonomics found that covering a pram on a hot Australian day can increase the temperature inside by almost four degrees Celsius.
“Four degrees can make a really substantial difference, both to the thermal comfort and reducing the risk of overheating during hot weather," said Dr James Smallcombe.
To overcome this, the study found that a moist muslin cloth with a clip-on fan cooled the pram by almost five degrees during 20-minute pram journeys.
Researchers say summer pram safety is an understudied topic. Picture credit Adobe Stock
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4. Keeping cool on a budget
"Residents who have financial concerns or do not have access to air conditioning at home, should close curtains and blinds during the day to block out the sun (light-colored blinds are preferred), use electric fans, limit physical activity during the peak time of the day, use stoves and ovens as little as possible as, eat cold food, when it is cooler in the evening open windows and doors for better ventilation and air circulation," said Dr Shamila Haddad.
Opening windows at opposite ends of the house creates a draft that releases trapped warm air and lets in cooler air. Picture credit Adobe Stock
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5. Use the HeatWatch app
"To stay cool, make sure to stay hydrated, minimise direct sun exposure, and use an electric fan for cooling. Schedule outdoor activities during the cooler times of the day to avoid the heat. Additionally, leverage the HeatWatch application to monitor your personalised heat stress risk and access seven day heat forecasts, allowing you to plan ahead and take necessary precautions to stay safe in hot weather," said Dr Federico Tartarini.
Keeping hydrated helps your body function properly and prevents serious health issues. Picture credit Adobe Stock
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